African Film Festival Returns to Dallas for World Cup

The African Film Festival (TAFF) is set to return to Dallas later this month for its 11th year, overlapping with the global buzz surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Taking place from 18 to 20 June at The Royal Palace in Addison, Texas, the festival will bring together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across Africa and the diaspora. Organisers are keen to make the most of the influx of international visitors in town for the football.

Established in 2015, TAFF has become a well-regarded showcase for African cinema on the global stage. This year’s line-up features 26 selected films, spanning feature-length dramas, documentaries, short films, and short docs from across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Key highlights from this year's selection include Nigeria’s Journey to Igbo Civilization, directed by Oluchukwu Iheonunekwu, alongside Lions’ Den and Tiger’s Tail, both directed by Victor Nchee Okpala. Other notable entries include Uganda’s Adui, directed by Ayeny T. Steve, and South Africa’s Repercussions.

Festival founder Kelechi Eke explained that the event was created to give an authentic voice to African stories, whilst connecting filmmakers from the continent and the diaspora with global audiences.

In addition to the film screenings, the event offers a packed programme including panel discussions, masterclasses, networking opportunities, art exhibitions, and an awards ceremony. In a nod to the football fever gripping the city, organisers have also woven live World Cup match screenings into the festival timetable, creating a unique celebration of both sport and culture.

Over the last ten years, TAFF has grown into a vital hub for independent African filmmakers, helping to champion African storytelling and encourage cross-border collaboration. As Dallas plays host to football fans from every corner of the globe, the festival looks set to offer a brilliant cultural sideshow, spotlighting the sheer variety and creativity of African cinema before wrapping up with its traditional closing awards ceremony.